The iconic Volkswagen Beetle will be introduced at the Los Angeles Autoshow in November 2011. The new version, expected to go on sale in May 2011, will continue paying homage to the classic form. It is expected to have a more interesting engine lineup as compared to the current model.

For the petrol options, the 1.2L TSI engine seen on the VW Polo, together with the highly-acclaimed 1.4 Twincharged powerplant are expected. A 2.0L engine producting 210 bhp could be seen on the car as well. I believe this is lifted from the hood of the Mark 6 Golf GTI.

Autocar says that the vehicle will have a wider stance and longer wheelbase as it will be produced at the same plant, and on the same architecture, as the VW Jetta. The Beetle is expected to get a MacPherson strut front, torsion beam rear suspension, though a multi-link rear is also possible. Beetle's dynamics is expected to improve, with the ride becoming more supple.

Look for exterior changes to be inspired by the 2005 Volkswagen Ragster concept. According to a reliable source, the new model is more contoured, with additional structuring and defined feature lines used to help to break up the simple surfacing and unadorned character of the current model.

I have been a car fanatic since 1989, when my father was changing our family car then to a Toyota Corolla 1.6 GL fitted with a Twin Cam 16 valve engine that was carburetor-fed, a big deal back in those days. The automobile technology and industry fascinates me and I hope to broadcast these interesting developments to everyone out there through this blog.